When was RAAM established?
In 1887, newspaperman George Nellis crossed America on a 45 pound, iron, high-wheeled cycle
in 80 days. As the years passed, many others successfully broke that record. It was in 1982, when
the competitive spirit was combined with the desire to push the limit, that RAAM was established.
Visit www.raceacrossamerica.org for a complete race history.
How long is the race and how much time does it take to finish?
RAAM competitors must travel over 3,010 miles in less than 7 days to be competitive. They do so by racingacross the endless expanse of the many remote regions of the United States and many Native American tribal jurisdictions.
Where does RAAM rank with other worldwide cycling events?
RAAM is recognized globally as the longest athletic endurance event in the world. It is a truly American competitive endeavor with competitors from all over the world racing to the finish.
What makes RAAM different from other world class races like The Tour de France?
RAAM is one continuous race without stages. The sun may set, but the race goes on. It is as much an individual competition against other racers as it is battle against the chaos and uncertainty created by dramatic environmental and weather conditions that can be encountered.
Where does the race start and where is the finish line?
The 30th annual RAAM starts in Oceanside, California. Competitors climb over 110,000 feet while transiting 14 states in an epic 3,010 mile race to the Annapolis, Maryland finish line. Heading east from Oceanside, the team immediately encounters several moderate climbs while pressing on toward the searing triple digit heat of the desert compounded by the humidity generated by the Salton Sea. The team rides through some of the best scenery in the southwest in Arizona, Utah and Colorado; including the spires of world famous Monument Valley, historic Durango, Colorado and the triple mammoth passes in central Colorado. The middle on thousand miles of the race provides a view of the American heartland passing near Dodge City, St Louis, and Indianapolis. The race courses through the arms of Ohio, climbs the Appalachian Mountains, and thru the historic Gettysburg battlefield. One last series of Pennsylvania “rollers” remain to challenge racers before they finish on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in historic port of Annapolis, Maryland.
The 30th annual RAAM Official Route
How will my sponsorship of the race make a difference for Team 4Mil?
Team 4Mil’s mission is to train, equip, and support a wounded warrior team in the Race Across America. Your support goes to the operational expenses necessary to make this vision a success. For 2012, we are also raising fund to support a second all US Service-member team in RAAM as well. Please consider making a tax deductible donation either via Paypal (donate button below) or send check made out to “Team 4Mil”
Send checks made out to “Team 4Mil” to the team 2012 Treasurer at:
Katie Colgary
322 Adams St,
Eastport, MD 21403
